Nearly every hot springs in California is listed on this website, complete with a statewide map and regional guides for Hot Springs in Northern California and Hot Springs in Southern California. Individual hot springs listings typically include access information, pool conditions, directions, maps, facility details and ratings, as well as pictures and videos.
Tip! Use the top menu to browse California hot springs by region or type from any page.
Natural Hot Springs in California
Carved by volcanic activity and geological forces, California’s hot springs are truly a gift from the Earth. These steaming hot pools of mineral-rich water have beckoned locals and travelers for centuries, offering a chance to unwind amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Different Types of California Hot Springs
Whether you crave a rustic adventure or a luxurious retreat, your next favorite hot soak in California is waiting for you.
Travertine Hot Springs Overview
Public and Private (Commercial) Hot Springs
From cushy resorts to primitive hot soaks there’s a hot springs for every type of hot springer in California. Visit private pools or drive, hike and backpack your way to natural hot springs located on public land.
Soaking Pool at Deep Creek Hot Springs
Stay the Night: Hot Springs with Overnight Accommodations
Find out what it’s like to spend the night at a natural hot springs with a hotel, cabins, campground or RV facilities.
Spend the Night in a Cabin at Orr Hot Springs Resort
Rugged Backcountry Delights
Strenuously backpack multiple days for a rewarding reprieve at Sespe Hot Springs and Sykes Hot Springs, hike through scenic wilderness to discover a bounty of hot pools at Deep Creek Hot Springs or take a short walk to the limestone pools at Travertine Hot Springs, where a soak under a star-studded sky is an unforgettable experience.
Enjoying a Soak at Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Desert Oasis Escape
In the arid landscapes of Southern California, discover hot springs near Joshua Tree and in Long Valley, where the hot water creates a lush, vibrant ecosystem perfect for relaxation.
Agua Caliente Hot Springs Outdoor Pool
Extra Friendly Hot Springs
It’s a given that all hot springs are friendly. But some are more friendly than others. Like hot springs that are family-friendly, pet-friendly and even those that are friendly for people who prefer clothing to be optional.
Clothing-Optional Hot Pool at Sea Mountain Inn
Statewide and Regional Maps
Plan your next California hot springs adventure by visualizing your journey with our maps. Where you can click on pins to view additional information about each hot springs.
Why are hot springs in California, hot?
California’s geological diversity, with its active fault lines and volcanic history, provides ideal conditions for hot springs. Water heated from deep within the earth pushes its way through fractures and cracks in rocks while gathering minerals along the way. Groundwater from rain aids in replenishing the water heated by magma subsequently renewing the cycle.
Get an IRL Education at the Hot Creek Geological Site
Steeped in History and Culture
For centuries, California’s natural hot springs have served as havens for both Native Americans and European settlers. Native tribes recognized their therapeutic properties and incorporated them into their spiritual practices and healing rituals. When Spanish explorers arrived, they too were drawn to the warm, mineral-rich waters, believing in their curative powers.
Wilbur Hot Springs is Historically Significant to Many Tribes
During the Gold Rush era, hot springs became popular destinations for weary miners seeking respite and relief from the harsh conditions of the frontier. Resorts and spas sprang up around these natural wonders, offering luxurious accommodations and a variety of treatments. Famous figures like Mark Twain and John Muir were known to visit these hot springs, attracted by their rejuvenating qualities.
California Hot Springs Safety Precautions
Many hot springs are located far from civilization, without access to gas, water, cell phone service or roadside assistance. It is extremely important to be prepared when traveling to new places.
Hot Springs Warning Sign
Plan Ahead
First and foremost, know your destination. Check road, travel and trail conditions before you leave. Save a copy of directions to your phone including offline maps and remember to bring paper maps and guidebooks.
Decide on where you’ll get a charge or refill with gas. Make sure your vehicle is suitable for the roads you’ll be traveling on, check your spare tire and consider bringing a can of gas if you are backcountry bound.
At the Hot Springs
Avoid alcohol (dehydrates the body), drink water and wear sun protection.
Never bring glass containers to a public hot springs. It breaks and gets stepped on, it’s inevitable.
Protect your feet. Consider wearing water shoes especially if you can’t see the bottom.
Pets are not a great idea at the majority of hot springs for obvious reasons.
Red Spider Mite Warning
Only a handful of hot springs in California have been reported to have red spider mites.
No Soap or Shampoo! EVER!
Public hot springs in California are not bathing facilities and do not have ‘plumbing’ like that of commercial, improved hot springs.
Soap and shampoo, including bio soap and shampoo, do not break down naturally and pollute our fragile ecosystems.
FYI, this is also illegal in most wilderness and public land areas. Please report suspicious activity to public lands officials (take pics).
Leave No Trace
It is important to remember when visiting natural hot springs in California or any state to leave them in better shape than when you arrived.
Please leave no trace, bring no glass and embrace the experience. We recommend cleaning up the area and hot springs before soaking as it makes for a more authentic experience and reward for your stewardship efforts.
Visit Hot Springs in Another State
This website is built and maintained by hot springers for hot springers with the goal of being the most complete resource available for natural hot springs in California.
